‘I want Harshvardhan to loosen up, be more social’

If the Kapoors had their own reality TV show, this is what the pilot would look like

Father-son relationships are fraught with complexities. We’re broken or built by our fathers, seeking their approval or railing against them. And no two father-son dynamics are ever the same either. In Anil and Harshvardhan Kapoor’s case, their physical chemistry is more man-child and mature young adult. Emotionally, they can point out each other’s virtues and frailties like old friends. And if they had their own reality TV show, this is what the pilot would look like.

Anil Kapoor exudes likeability and a sense of humour, even when he’s being self-indulgent. Harshvardhan Kapoor needs to be reminded to smile, to loosen up. The young actor admits he’s an introvert who enjoys his own company. But don’t be fooled by his reserve when it comes to the family business. In a tongue-in-cheek chat with GQ, they talk about being buddies and what annoys them the most about each other:

You have very different personalities.

Anil: There is a big difference between a regular father and son relationship and a father and son who are actors. I remember when he was born, I named him Harshvardhan because I never wanted him to be like me. We could’ve kept it Harsh Kapoor but I thought, “Let’s name him Harsh-Vardhan so that Kapoor isn’t his only identity.”

That doesn’t change the fact that he’s a Kapoor. Harsh, do you always have to try harder?

Harshvardhan: I’m still so new; people haven’t seen enough of me. Having said that, nobody is making the choices that I am at my age. Some actors say, “I want to be the biggest star in the country.” That’s not my aim.

What was your equation with your father like, Anil?

Anil: We had a communication gap. What I couldn’t achieve with my father, I wanted with my children… I’m friends with them. My wife gets upset with me and tells me not to be so indulgent, that I have to draw the line sometimes.

How is your relationship different with each of them?

Anil: Rhea and Harsh are like equals, but there’s also a fine line. With Sonam, there’s a communication gap, maybe because we’re similar. We connect emotionally, but we can’t sit and talk for hours.

Do you take relationship advice from your dad?

Harshvardhan: No, that’s too personal. I’m very private [in these matters]. In general, I’m very comfortable around women because of the amount of time I’ve spent with my mother and two sisters. I’m a laid-back guy – I don’t ask too many questions and I’m not overbearing.

What would you change about Harshvardhan?

Anil: I want him to loosen up. I want him to meet people and be more social.

Now that your kids are grown up, do you feel like it’s time to call it a day?

Anil: All of them are very ruthless, you know. They want me to work.

Harshvardhan: So we have more money.

Anil: I’m waiting for the day when they come and tell me, dad, enough. Nobody [in the family] takes me seriously.

Harshvardhan: I want him to do more films so that I can be creatively more liberated and make the choices I want!

Anil: By which he means, he can be experimental and I make the money. They’re all very selfish. They don’t care about me.

To read the complete interview, grab your copy of GQ India’s June 2017 issue, out on stands soon